Gaming device and game

ABSTRACT

A gaming device and method is presented that provides the user the ability to wager for winning payouts that are representative of monetary value randomly generated and displayed by the gaming device. The gaming device can be dice, playing cards or a slot machine having a plurality of rotatable reels that are actuated by an electronic controller. Indicia symbols “0” (zero) and “1” (one) are disposed on the display surfaces, such that when the display surfaces are randomly changed, a winning indicia combination may be displayed, thereby resulting in a payout representative of displayed indicia and the amount wagered. Bonus games and added jackpots can be implemented for primary and secondary gamming.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/516,186, filed Oct. 30, 2003, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a game, and more particularly to a casino gaming device and method including a device that is applicable for slot machine use or other physical gaming devices.

Recently, gaming devices have escalated in popularity. Casino gaming machines, as well as toy casino games, are well known in the art and provide hours of entertainment for gaming enthusiast. A majority of all casinos have slots machines, and in some gaming capitals slot machines are installed in airports, restaurants, and other public venues. It is common knowledge that slot machine games allow the user to wager on the positions at which spinning reels of the slot machine will stop.

The basic elements of the traditional slot machine game are mechanically based. The game of chance places a probability that a winning indicia combination will be randomly positioned on two or more rotating reels. A payout is determined by positioning one of several indicia combinations on the payout line. A plurality of indicia symbols are disposed on a rotatable reel outer peripheral surface. The start operation involves the user inserting a wager and initiating rotation of the reels, e.g., a player pulls a lever or pushes a button causing the reels to spin. When the rotation of all the rotatable reels has stopped, there is shown a specific combination of symbols on the display reels. The symbols are visible through a display window at the front of a slot machine. The rotational positions of the symbols with respect to the payout line of the machine determine the outcome of the game and how much, if any, money the machine will payout to the user. Winning indicia combinations vary the amount of money payout. Typically, the left most reel has the highest odds of displaying a high payout symbol on the payout line, while the right most reel has the lowest odds of displaying a high payout symbol on the payout line, e.g., a cherry is a high payout symbol, the leftmost reel may have one in five odds of displaying a cherry, while the rightmost reel may have one in one hundred odds of displaying a cherry.

Conventional slot machines include electronic video machines having microprocessor based controllers that replicate the traditional slot machines having spinning reels. The electronically controlled machine provides an electrical variable display formed of randomly generated elements or symbols on a display screen. The microprocessor controls accounting of the wagers and credits available to the player, controls starting and stopping the random generation of the selected symbols, and controls payout as determined. Commonly, the slot machine stops the spinning reel or displays the generated number from left to right, there by building anticipation of the user.

In spite of the popularity of gaming machines, particularly slot machines, the conventional games have failed to continue to entice and entertain gaming enthusiast. The typical slot machine uses symbols and indicia combinations which have been around since the advent of the slot machine. For example, a cherry is commonly regarded as a winning symbol when received on the rightmost reel of the slot machine. Matching two or more consecutive cherry symbols starting from the rightmost reel increases the payout amount for the winning combination. Another common symbol is the bar or double and triple bars, that are familiar winning combinations that base a payout on a certain multiple of the wagered amount. Thus, the user has nothing new or exciting to look forward to when playing the current games. Conventional programming for the microprocessor based slot machines utilize the same redundant symbols which fail to induce the game user to play or continue to play this particular game of chance.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new and interesting game of chance that attracts users and retains their interest and desire for continuous play. The present invention provides the user a stimulating gaming opportunity that does not rely on traditional gaming methods and combinations to win satisfying payouts.

INVENTION SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a method and device for playing a casino style game that is stimulating and enticing to the player. The game may be implemented as a primary game or in a secondary bonus game. In particular, the method of the present invention provides a game of chance that bases a payout from a display on a gaming device that depicts the winnings as an actual monetary value. Alternatively, the payout may be a fraction of the displayed value or a multiple of the displayed value.

The game of the present invention includes a plurality of display surfaces, the surfaces having indicia representing “0” (zero) or “1” (one) disposed on the display surface. A changing mechanism is configured to change the display surfaces. A controller is configured to randomly display each surface, wherein the plurality of surfaces are displayed for evaluating whether if a winning combination of indicia is determined. If a winning combination is determined, then a payout may be dispensed equal to a standard denomination of currency representing the indicia displayed on the surfaces and the amount wagered.

Accordingly, the gaming device of the present invention can be a slot machine having a plurality of rotatable reels, a controller, and a device for receiving a wager and dispensing a winning payout. The reels have a combination of “0” (zero) and “1” (one) on the outer periphery and are displayed through a display window or screen on the face of the gaming device. The object of the game is to have the reels display a winning indicia combination that is equivalent to a monetary payout. The gaming device further includes wager receptacles for receiving a standard denomination of paper currency or coins. The wager receptacle can also be configured to receive tokens that are representative of currency. Once a wager is received, the user can initiate rotation or spinning of the reels by pulling a lever or arm of the gaming device, or the user may push a “spin” button to actuate the reels. The controller is configured to control reel rotation of the plurality of reels by randomly stopping each of the reels and displaying the randomly generated indicia combination. The gaming device of the controller can mechanically stop the plurality of reels or the controller may electronically stop the reel rotation.

The electronic controller evaluates the indicia combination, displayed on the reels, and determines if a winning combination is achieved. A winning combination is an indicia display having at least one “1” symbol displayed in the combination on the pay line. The winning indicia combination payout is equal to a standard denomination of currency representing the indicia displayed from the left reel to the right reels. For example, an indicia display featuring “1-0-1” will result in a payout equal to 101 times the wager and payable in the standard denomination of currency, house tokens, credits, or a combination of currency and credit. The payout for the “1-0-1” winning combination may also be a multiple of 101 times the wager based on the amount wagered or based on some other factor or event, such as special characters appearing on one or more reels.

The above example depicts a gaming device having a three reel display face, however, the present invention may be played on a two reel gaming device or a device having four or more reels. Additional reels increase the user's odds of receiving a winning combination and also increases the user's chance of winning a large payout. While the method of play is consistent with the three reel gaming apparatus, a winning indicia combination display may include, for example, “1”-“0”-“1”-“0”, which is equal to 1,010 times the amount wagered payout or a multiple thereof based on the amount wagered or based on some other factor or event. Accordingly, the gaming device may be programmed to provide a large jackpot or progressive jackpot for a particular winning combination. The fourth reel or bonus reel may include alternative indicia symbols disposed on the reel, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, for enhanced or multiple gaming payouts.

Additional gaming excitement is achieved by varying the sequence in which the controller stops the reels, such as reversing the stopping sequence or randomly stopping particular reels. A “Bonus Play” option can be wagered for an additional reel spin, thereby allowing the user to re-spin the left most reel or any other suitable reel. The “Bonus Play” feature can improve a non-winning display combination, or the option may be used to increase or decrease a payout combination.

The rotatable reels of the present invention may be physical reels that spin, or the reels may alternatively be combined in electronic mediums that display “0” or “1” symbols through electronic technology. The displays may include video screens, video reels or animated displays.

Alternative mediums of playing the game of the present invention include hand-held devices, dice, cards or any other suitable medium for displaying indicia disposed on a readable surface.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a slot machine embodying a game according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is flow diagram of a gaming method of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a winning indicia combination on a three reel display face of a gaming apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a losing indicia combination of the three reel display face of a gaming apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a winning indicia combination on a four reel display face of a gaming apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a gaming method of the present invention, further including a “Bonus Play” option;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the hardware of the controller of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the game of the present invention embodied in a dice game; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the game of the present invention embodied in a card game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The game of the present invention is embodied in a new game of chance, more particularly a gaming apparatus such as slot machines. However, the invention is capable of use on video, computer, dice, and hand held toy applications. The game of the present invention is designed to excite and entice gaming enthusiast, providing a desirable gaming experience. As illustrated in the figures, the advantage afforded the user is the ability to wager for a winning payout or credit that is representative of the indicia combination displayed on the reels of the gaming apparatus.

The game of the present invention includes a plurality of display surfaces, the surfaces having indicia representing “0” (zero) or “1” (one) disposed thereon. A changing mechanism is configured to change the display surfaces. A controller is configured to randomly stop and/or display each display surface, wherein the plurality of surfaces are displayed for determining if a winning combination of indicia is determined. If a winning combination is determined, then a payout may be dispensed equal to a standard denomination of currency representing the indicia displayed on the surfaces and the amount wagered.

FIG. 1 illustrates the game of the present invention embodied in the gaming apparatus 20. The gaming apparatus or slot machine 20 includes wager receptacles 22, 24, spin initiation mechanisms 26, 28, a plurality of rotatable reels including a rightmost reel 30, a center or middle reel 32, and a leftmost reel 34, and a payout tray 36. The rotatable reels, further having indicia displayed on the outer periphery of the reels, such that when a winning combination of indicia is displayed on the reels, a payout is dispensed into a payout tray 36 in the form of tokens, or a payout is credited to the apparatus for continued play. The randomly generated reel indicia consists of a combination of “0” (zero) or “1” (one) symbols displayed on the plurality of reels, and viewed by the user through a display window 35. If the player accumulates winning credits, then the player may push the credit/payout button 42 to dispense the payout or the player may select the “1 bet” button 38 or max bet button 40 to play another game. The game of the present invention is directed to a gaming apparatus as a primary game, however, the present embodiment may be implemented as a secondary bonus game, or in both.

Referring further to the flow diagram of FIG. 2, the method of play starts when the user presents a wager or bet 110. The wager may consist of a standard denomination of paper currency inserted in a dollar bill receptacle 24 or a coin inserted into a coin receptacle 22 (FIG. 1). The coin receptacle can be configured to receive tokens that are representative of currency. Alternatively, the game may be started by wagering an existing credit by pushing one of the wagering buttons. After making the wager, the user initiates the reel rotations 112 either by pulling the lever 26 or by pushing the spin button 28, thereby actuating the reels of the gaming apparatus. The reels are randomly stopped 114, preferably the rightmost reel first, next the middle reel, then the leftmost reel. As the reel rotation or spinning comes to a stop, from the right to the left, the user's anticipation increase with the individual display of the indicia combination. However, a varied stopping arrangement may be configured, for example, the leftmost reel stops first, then the middle reel is stopped, and lastly, the right most reel is stopped. A random reel stop mechanism can be mechanically controlled, or a computer based electronic control assembly that randomly stops the rotating reels can be activated. It is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art that rotating reels used on conventional gaming apparatus may have controllers and associated motors for spinning the reels about their axis. Of particular interest are the spinning reel machines and video machines disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,044, issued Sep. 16, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,510, issued Jan. 13, 2004, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other gaming devices or systems could be utilized as well for implementation of the game of the present invention as a primary game or as a secondary game.

After the reels are randomly stopped, the reels are evaluated 116 to determine if a winning combination is displayed or if a losing combination is displayed 118. A winning combination is an indicia display having at least a single “1” (one) displayed on the pay line 44 of one or more of the plurality of reels 30, 32, 34 (FIG. 3). Thereafter, a monetary value is placed on the winning indicia combination displayed on the pay line, as read from left to right, and paid to the user. For example, a display featuring “1-0-1” will result in a payout equal to 101 times the wager and payable in the standard denomination of currency, house tokens, credits, or a combination of currency and credit. The payout for the “1-0-1” winning combination may also be a multiple of 101 times the wager based on the amount wagered. The user can start a new game by presenting a new wager 110, or the user may push the credit/payout button and collect winning coins or tokens dispensed into the payout tray.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate stopped reel indicia combinations displayed on the face of a three reel gaming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, a winning reel combination display is “0-1-0” is centered on the pay line 44, i.e., the leftmost reel 34 displays “0” (zero), the center reel 32 displays “1” (one) and the rightmost reel 30 displays “0” (zero). The winning payout amount would equal 10 times the wager or a multiple thereof, based on the amount wagered. In FIG. 4, a non-winning reel combination is displayed. The leftmost indicia did not randomly line up on the pay line 44, while the center reel display and the right reel display are lined up on the pay line 44. Thus, the user would lose his wager and either end the game or begin a new game at step 110, see FIG. 2.

In another aspect of the invention, the gaming apparatus may have two or more pay lines on which winning indicia combinations can be displayed. Additional features may be added to the game, such as to multiply the payout by a number determined by additional rotation of the same or some of the same reels, rotation of an additional set of reels or other suitable method and/or device. Similarly, the user may re-spin any reel by making an additional wager, by an event of the game or by the combination thereof. Further, accumulated winnings may be lost during the re-spins or during a bonus game. A negative value symbol (−) may also be utilized to reduce total payout amount. Also, the gaming apparatus may be configured so that the reels will spin one at a time, and whether each successive reel spins may be determined by a specified indicia on the preceding reel spin, by making an additional wager or by the combination of thereof. Such additional features may be initiated by the choice of the player, by an event of the game (such as a special character appearing on one or more reels), by paying an additional wager or by the combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming apparatus face features four spinning reels 46, see FIG. 5. The four reels include a rightmost reel 48, a right reel 50, a left reel 52 and a leftmost reel 54. The additional reel increases the odds of the user receiving a winning combination and increases the users chances of a large payout. While the method of play is consistent with the three reel gaming apparatus, a winning indicia combination display may include “1-0-1-0”, which is equal to a 1,010 times the wager or a multiple thereof based on the amount wagered. The controller can be configured to allow additional wagers for a double, triple or other multiple payout for winning combinations. Accordingly, the controller may be programmed to provide a large jackpot or progressive jackpot for a particular winning combination. Various indicia symbols can be alternatively disposed on the reels, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9, for enhanced gaming, increased payouts, and jackpot determinations.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the four reel gaming display may be configured such that the left most reel is a bonus reel. Referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 6, the method of play first starts when the user presents a wager 210 that may include a wager for an additional “Bonus Play.” The wager may consist of a standard denomination of paper currency inserted in a dollar bill receptacle 24 or a coin or token inserted into a coin receptacle 22 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the game may be started by wagering an existing credit. After making the wager, the user initiates the reel rotations either by pulling the lever 26 or pushing the spin button 28, thereby actuating the reels of the gaming apparatus 212. Thereafter, the reels are randomly stopped 214, preferably the rightmost reel first 48, next the next right reel 50, the left reel 52 and then the leftmost reel 54. As, the reel rotation or spinning comes to a stop from the right to the left, the user's anticipation increases with the individual display of the indicia combination on the pay line 44. However, a varied stopping arrangement may be configured, for example, the leftmost reel stops first, then the middle reels are stopped, and lastly, the right most reel is stopped. Random reel stopping sequences can be used.

After the reels are stopped, the reels 48, 50, 52, 54 are evaluated to determine if a winning combination is displayed or if a losing combination is displayed. A winning combination is an indicia display having a “1” (one) displayed on one or more of the four reels and lined accordingly on the gaming machine pay line 44 (FIG. 5). Next, the user may activate the “Bonus Play” feature 218. If the displayed indicia is determined to be a winning combination, then the user may select a payout 226, or the user may re-spin the bonus reel 220. The leftmost reel 54 may be the bonus reel. The user may decide to initiate the additional spin option to improve a losing combination or an existing winning combination. For example, a display featuring “0-1-0-1” will result in a winning payout equal to 101 times the wager payable in the standard denomination of currency, house tokens, credits, or a combination of currency and credit. The “Bonus Play” re-spins the reel 54, the reel is stopped 222 mechanically or preferably electronically and evaluated for a “1”on the pay line 44 (224). If a “1” is displayed on the leftmost reel 54, then the “Bonus Play” provides the winning combination “1-1-0-1” equal to 1,101 times the amount wagered. After the “Bonus Play” is evaluated, if a winning combination is determined 226, then the user can push the credit/payout button and collect the winning coins or tokens dispensed 228 into the payout tray or the user may start a new game 210 by presenting a new wager.

In another aspect of the “Bonus Play” method of the invention, step 220 may randomly initiate a re-spin of either reels 48, 50, 52 or 54. A microprocessor can be programmed to vary the bonus reel selection sequence, and the gaming machine may be configured to spin two or more reels in the bonus step. Additional wagering may be required to initiate two or more reel re-spins. A negative winning combination of indicia may be configured to subtract from existing winning credits, or the user may lose all accumulated winnings during the re-spin step.

In still another aspect of the “Bonus Play” method of the invention, the bonus game may be the primary game or a secondary game providing enhanced gaming opportunity for the user. The game is adaptable to currently available gaming systems that are microprocessor based.

It is further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the reels of the present invention may be physical reels that spin, one embodiment of the apparatus includes reels that may alternatively be combined in electronic reels that display symbols through electronic display technology such as, for example a light emitting diode display (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other suitable display technology. The electronic display may include video screens, video reels or animated displays. The electronic display includes a pay line and the plurality of reel indicia having “0” or “1” symbols that display winning combinations of randomly generated indicia. The imagery displayed on the electronic display window is controlled by the electronic controller 56 (FIG. 7). The controller 56 includes a microprocessor 58 that controls the functions of the gaming device (FIG. 7).

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the controller hardware of the game of the present embodiment of the invention. The controller 56 includes a microprocessor 58, ROM memory 66, RAM memory 68, wage detector 60, spin actuator 62, reel motor drivers 64, a payout dispenser 70 and an electronic display 72. The reel motor drives 64 communicate with the reels 74 in controlling actuation.

In general, the microprocessor 58 which is adapted to interact with the program memory 66, 68 to cause the controller 56 to carry out the functionality of the gaming apparatus. During operation, the wager detector 60 and credit dispenser informs the controller 56 when a user inputs wager into the gaming apparatus. After the controller 56 detects that the wager has been input into the gaming apparatus, the controller monitors the spin actuators 62 which inform the controller when the user desires to play a game. When the controller 56 receives an indication from one of the spin actuators 62 that a user request to play a game, the controller controls the motor drivers 64 to cause the reels 30, 32, 34 or 48, 50, 52, 54 to spin. After spinning the reels for a predetermined time, the controller 56 selects random numbers and controls the motor drivers 64 to stop the reels at appropriate rotational positions, which may correspond directly or indirectly to the selected random numbers, to inform the user of the outcome of the game. After the reels have stopped, the controller determines whether the user has won the game. If the user has a winning combination, then the controller may initiate a payout of the winning coins, tokens or credit. The winning indicia combinations are stored in the controller ROM memory 66. If a winning combination is displayed, the associated pay table for that combination is retrieved from the ROM 66 and the signal is sent to the payout dispenser 70. The controller 56 may also control the electronic display 72 which provides imagery for embodiments of the invention that combine electronic reel display technology. The controller 56 may be embodied in hardware that is commercially available from Intel or any other suitable source, or may be embodied in any other suitable microprocessor or microcontroller.

The method of the present invention can be played with physical mediums, such as, cards or dice. However, the steps of the game may vary as a result of the physical nature of the game. The alternative medium can be configured with the indicia “0” or “1” such that winning combinations of the indicia displayed on a plurality of the cards or dice may result in a winning payout or allotment of points. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the embodiment of the present game played with dice involves three or more traditional hexahedral cubes 76, 78 80, each of the six sides having a “0” or “1”, the die may be color coded in order to assign a place value for each. For example, a red die 76 may represent the hundreds place value, a blue die 78 may represent the tens place value and a white die 80 may represent a ones place, wherein a dice roll displaying: blue “1”-red “1”-white “0” represents a winning point allotment or money payout equal to 110 times the wager.

With further reference to FIG. 9, in another method of the present invention, the game may be played using playing cards 82. The playing card surface includes indicia featuring a “0” (zero) or “1” (one) disposed on the card face. The game starts when one or more players present a wager. The dealer may shuffle the cards 82 to change the card position and then randomly deal at least two cards to each game participant. The cards are distributed in a designated position representing the place value of each card. The dealer deals his cards face up to display the indicia combination on the cards 84, then the dealer reveals or displays each players cards to display their indicia combination. Each players hand 86, 88 is evaluated with reference to the dealers hand 84 to determine if the player's indicia combination is greater than the dealer's hand. If the player's hand is greater in value than the dealer's hand then the player wins the wagered amount. If the player's hand is less than the dealers hand, then the player loses the wager. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the dealer's hand 84 displays “0-1-0,” player 1 displays “0-0-0” and player 2 displays “1-1-0,” thus player 1 loses his wager and player 2 wins because player 2 has a greater value than the dealer. A winning payout may be dispensed equal to a multiple of or standard denomination of currency representing the indicia displayed on the winning hand. Alternatively, the game may be played where each player, including the dealer, takes winnings based on the cards dealt. Additionally, cards may be dealt face down, additional cards may be drawn and one or more cards may be discarded.

Although the dice and card games are presented in physical embodiments, each game may be embodied in an electronic video game.

While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except as by the appended claims. 

1. A game that functions as a traditional casino game, comprising: a plurality of display surfaces, the surfaces having indicia representing “0” (zero) or “1” (one) disposed on the display surface; a mechanism configured to change the display surfaces; a controller configured to randomly display each surface, the plurality of surfaces being displayed for determining a winning combination of indicia; and a payout system, wherein the payout is equal to a standard denomination of currency representing the indicia displayed of the display surfaces. 2-25 (canceled).
 26. A game, comprising a plurality of display surfaces, each display surface containing an indicia representing a zero (“0”) and a one (“1”), wherein a value of a winning combination is represented by the indicia on the display surfaces.
 27. The game of claim 26, wherein the indicia include a zero (“0”) and a one (“1”) and no other indicia.
 28. The game of claim 27, wherein the value of the winning combination is determined by the order of the indicia from the left display surface to the right display surface.
 29. The game of claim 28, wherein a standard denomination of currency is paid equal to a multiple of the value of the winning combination.
 30. The game of claim 26, further comprising one or more display surfaces having indicia including base ten digits and no other indicia.
 31. The game of claim 26, further comprising one or more display surfaces having indicia representing a special character so as to increase or decrease the value of the winning combination.
 32. The game of claim 26, further comprising a display surface having an indicia representing a negative (“−”) place holder.
 33. The game of claim 26, wherein the game is configured as a primary game.
 34. The game of claim 26, wherein the game is configured as a bonus game.
 35. The game of claim 26, wherein the game is configured to provide a large jackpot.
 36. The game of claim 26, wherein the game is configured to provide a progressive jackpot.
 37. The game of claim 26, wherein each display surface is configured on a reel of a casino slot machine.
 38. The game of claim 26, wherein each display surface is configured on an electronic video screen.
 39. The game of claim 26, wherein each display surface is configured on a die.
 40. The game of claim 26, wherein each display surface is configured on a playing card.
 41. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of display surfaces, each display surface containing an indicia representing a zero (“0”) and a one (“1”); a controller configured to alternate each display surfaces to a single indicia; a betting mechanism for determining a wager; and a payout mechanism for determining a value of a winning combination represented by the indicia on the display surfaces.
 42. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the indicia include a zero (“0”) and a one (“1”) and no other indicia.
 43. The gaming apparatus of claim 42, wherein the value of the winning combination is determined by the order of the indicia from the left display surface to the right display surface.
 44. The gaming apparatus of claim 43, wherein a standard denomination of currency is paid equal to a multiple of the value of the winning combination.
 45. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, further comprising one or more display surfaces having indicia including base ten digits and no other indicia.
 46. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, further comprising one or more display surfaces having indicia representing a special character so as to increase or decrease the value of the winning combination.
 47. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a display surface having an indicia representing a negative (“−”) place holder.
 48. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the controller is configured to align the display surfaces that determine the winning combination with a single payout line.
 49. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the controller is configured to align the display surfaces that determine the winning combination with a plurality of payout lines.
 50. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the gaming apparatus is configured as a casino slot machine.
 51. The gaming apparatus of claim 50, wherein the slot machine includes a plurality of reels containing the display surfaces.
 52. The gaming apparatus of claim 51, wherein the controller is configured to stop each reel at a single display surface.
 53. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the gaming apparatus is a video machine configured with a plurality of electronic display surfaces.
 54. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the betting mechanism is configured to receive currency or tokens representative of currency.
 55. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the betting mechanism is configured to receive a device containing a representation of currency.
 56. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the controller and betting mechanism are configured to allow a player to alter the indicia on a display surface.
 57. The gaming apparatus of claim 56, wherein the controller and betting mechanism are configured to allow a player to re-spin one or more reels.
 58. The gaming apparatus of claim 41, wherein the payout system is configured to provide a bonus play.
 59. The gaming apparatus of claim 58, wherein the bonus play includes alternating a display surface.
 60. The gaming apparatus of claim 58, wherein the bonus play includes providing a progressive jackpot.
 61. A method of playing a casino game, comprising: providing a gaming apparatus having a plurality of display surfaces, each display surface having indicia representing a zero (“0”) and a one (“1”) disposed thereon; placing a wager; initiating changing the display surfaces; viewing the changed display surfaces; evaluating the indicia combination displayed on the display surfaces, a winning combination having at least a single one (“1”) indicia provided on at least one display surface; and dispensing a payout value representative of the displayed indicia, wherein the winning combination of indicia is displayed from the left-most display surface to the right-most display surface.
 62. The method of claim 61, further including initiating a bonus game that includes changing at least one display surface indicia and determining a bonus payout from the changed indicia combination displayed. 